TUMI has been manufacturing the finest bags, cases, and accessories since 1975, with the company's commitment to quality and innovation keeping it at the forefront of the premium luggage industry. In fact, TUMI's attention to detail and product design have become firm favorites among both business travelers and holidaymakers alike, striking a fine balance between form and function.

Best Carry-On Backpacks 2019

Everyone needs a backpack. They’re among the most versatile and practical bags around, and increasingly, they’re the perfect travel companion for journeys of any length. They also come in a variety of sizes and a broad range of styles suitable for both business and leisure travel. What’s more, the best carry-on backpacks include organizational and space saving features designed to help you keep everything you need to hand.

Here at Kaehler, we love backpacks, and we’re happy to introduce our favorite picks for 2019. However, before we look at some of the best carry-on backpacks from the top brands, here are a few other reasons to consider these small but perfectly formed pieces of luggage for your next trip.

Airline Restrictions

It seems that airline restrictions on luggage size are constantly changing, and sizes for carry-ons are no longer uniform between airlines—making it difficult to choose the right case for your next trip. One solution to this problem is to switch to a backpack, either as a standalone for shorter journeys or as an additional carry-on to complement checked luggage. Today, certain airlines, like American, offer you anywhere from 1 to 3 free checked bags to reduce airline congestion and overcrowded overhead lockers. With the extra checked luggage capacity, many travelers prefer a smaller carry-on style like the backpack to take on board.

Flexibility and Versatile

Backpacks can be used after reaching your destination. Unlike a wheeled carry-on piece, if you want to bust out your backpack for a day trip or pack it with essentials for your explorations around town, it is extremely convenient to do so. Backpack styles vary from professional to casual, but never look out of place, wherever you are traveling. Additionally, organizational features on the best carry-on backpacks will often have dedicated spaces for things like water bottles, laptops and tablets, places for maps or travel documents, and a range of pockets you can use for any other essential items.

Added Security

Finally, you have to love the security benefits of carry-on backpacks. One of the most useful and convenient features of a backpack is the fact that you can carry it everywhere—giving you the certainty that your belongings are safe at all times. Also, if you size your backpack to fit underneath an airplane seat, you don’t have to worry about luggage theft like you might with a bag in the overhead bin. It offers peace of mind, particularly when carrying sensitive documents or irreplaceable items, which is extremely important to travelers of all types.

Here then, we take a look at some of the best carry-on backpacks currently available in the Kaehler store.

Briggs & Riley – Sympatico

The Briggs & Riley Sympatico features plenty of space in its gusseted main compartment and allows you to pack larger items with ease thanks to the full-length u-zip opening. It has a pocket for laptops of up to 15.6” inches and also includes space for a tablet, both of which are padded.

Manufactured from lightweight 400D nylon fabric, the Sympatico is water resistant and extremely durable. It also looks great in black, with a minimal design that is suitable for both business and leisure trips. Finally, a padded back panel provides extra lumbar support to keep you comfortable while on the move.

BRIC’S – Monza

The Monza Medium Business Backpack from BRICS’S combines sophisticated Italian design with plenty of useful features for the modern traveler. Featuring 14 interior and 7 exterior pockets, you can easily keep your belongings organized as you travel. Additionally, there is a full fold-out pocket to store your laptop that can easily be removed when you need it.The Monza is manufactured from technical nylon and includes a leather trim for a refined aesthetic that is ideal for business travelers. Finally, the padded mesh backing and adjustable straps ensure this stylish backpack is as comfortable as it looks.

Victorinox – Altmont Professional

While the Victorinox Altmont Professional may look minimal from the outside, the interior of the bag is a whole different story. A padded rear laptop and tablet compartment with lockable zippers, file dividers, storage pockets and accessory loops all make this backpack a serious contender for business travelers, students, and artists.

In fact, with a flip top opening for easy accessibility, the Altmont Professional is ideal for anyone who needs to easily access their belongings while on the road—and a variety of removable accessories and pockets are designed to keep you at your most productive. Finally, the padded back panel and adjustable straps are designed to deliver maximum comfort however heavy your bag.

Filson – Ranger

This stylish, vintage looking backpack features a simple design that looks at home wherever you travel. Including a cotton-lined interior and removable wool zipper pouch, the Filson Ranger still allows travelers to organize items, albeit with a simpler approach that lets you customize your packing.

The rugged twill exterior is durable and offers a degree of water resistance, while the cinch cord and storm flap provide an extra level of protection. Comfort is also ensured thanks to padded straps and a padded back, with the metal buckles adding a touch of vintage style to this versatile backpack.

Knomo - Dale Totepack

The Brompton Dale Totepack from Knomo serves as both a backpack and stylish tote bag—making it a versatile addition to any luggage collection. What’s more, the traditional leather finish of this bags hides some seriously modern features designed to keep your items secure—with hacker blocker lining and plenty of space for a laptop or tablet

Adjustable shoulder straps and padded grab handles ensure comfort while on the move, and the fact that it can be used both as a tote and a backpack means that its perfect for long journeys and day trips alike.

TUMI - Sheppard Deluxe Backpack

Featuring a 15" laptop compartment, iPad pocket, 2 zip pockets, 3 open pockets, and 2 card pockets, the TUMI Alpha Bravo Sheppard Deluxe Backpack has everything you need to stay organized on any trip. Manufactured from ballistic nylon for durability and water resistance, this backpack is built to last.

Additionally, the Sheppard Deluxe features TUMI’s proprietary tracing technology that allows you to locate your bag if it is taken or misplaced. Finally, the top carry handle with leather accent adds a touch of sophistication to this fantastic all-round backpack.